Atomos Unleashes Sumo 19” at NAB 2017

19” Sumo Monitor-Recorder delivers 4Kp60 HDR to the Set and the Studio first production monitor that also records 4K 12bit Raw, 10bit ProRes, plus 1080p60 live switching and recording.

Well, that didn’t take long. Atomos dropped an early announcement prior to the show open. The calibrated Sumo 19” Recorder/Monitor/Switcher has all the potential to be a real game changer for maybe every segment of the production market today.

Let's cut to the chase and hear directly from Atomos once again redefines the workflow options for video creatives by creating the first production/studio monitor to combine a 19” HDR 1200nit 10+ stop panel with 4K 12bit Raw or 10bit 422 recording and HD recording up to 240p or live switching and recording of four 1080p60 channels.

Adding HDR and 1200nit brightness to a 19” monitor at an MSRP of $2,495 is an amazing feat itself, but the addition of recording, switching and playback is a true revolution, completely redefining how production monitors will be used on set and in studio. It gives clients and crew on set instant access to review recorded content in HDR quality and doubles as a grading and editing monitor for laptops in the field. The live switching and recording is another dimension again adding the flexibility to live switch between four 1080/60p channels, record 4 x ISO channels and mix a live record complete with cueing, cross fade and hard cuts.

"Seeing innovation come to life is the most exciting part of making technology products. Sumo is one of the most remarkable video products I have worked on,” said Jeromy Young, CEO and co-founder of Atomos Versatile, and highly advanced yet simple to use, it covers all kinds of high quality production from end to end at a fraction of traditional costs. The Sumo is truly revolutionary. So, what do you see in all of this? Here is what I see. The fact that it's list priced at $2995 should be a real enticement for all those who need to be able to do a lot of things, do them well, and not break the bank. The second part is how the monitor itself is calibrated. What is the big deal? Well, if you have the client hanging over your shoulder (no offense meant) then whatever you are using for a monitor has to be spot on. That itself is not new news, but the ability for you to show and review with the client in HDR in real time is huge. The ability to switch right off the monitor is a big plus too. Again, if you have to be able to do a lot of things (well) then live switching has to be part of the equation. Again, I am biased. I love live production so check this part of the release from Atomos out.

Yes! My own personal pet peeve about good audio! Gotta have XLRs. Atomos figured that out!

Balanced XLR Monitor & Record with 48V Phantom 1

Eliminate the need for a separate audio recorder by using the full size XLR connections to connect and power external microphones for balanced analogue audio with dedicated meters and adjustments for frame delay and gain. 48V phantom or line level audio are both seamlessly synchronized for the most advanced audio feature set in a monitor today. There is also a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack and built-in speakers for on-set instant immersive review or complete internal recording review anytime, anywhere with clients or production team.

High Bright 1200nit 19” calibrated 1920x1080 monitor

The extremely bright 1200nit display means you can accurately monitor, even when outside in daylight. Like all high-end monitors, Sumo also has calibration to compensate for the natural color and brightness drift that monitors exhibit over time. Sumo's calibration input lets you use X-Rites i1DisplayPro to always ensure accurate HDR and Rec709 monitoring.

Quad SDI & HDMI 2.0 in/out

Seamlessly connect any SDI or HDMI device and convert between HDMI 2.0 & 3G/6G/12G SDI in any combination. Quad SDI inputs connect cameras with multiple 1.5 or 3G SDI outputs without the need for converters. HDMI 2.0 supports up to 4Kp60 input/output along with the very latest Atomos protocol that supports HDR automation including importing of camera settings. There is also support for Genlock and LTC timecode.

Lastly, this is the other part I love about Atomos: The attention to detail in the physical build out of the products. Their units are built like brick. The stuff HAS to work EVERY time in the field, with rugged construction and mounting options. The Aluminium alloy chassis has built-in armor houses ten mounting points around the bezel/top/bottom/side, a rear panel VESA mount and an included stand for a variety of mounting configurations. The optional mounting plates connect 2 x V-Lock / Anton Bauer batteries which in tandem with our patent pending continuous power system allows batteries to be hot swapped to ensure you’re never without power in the field. The Sumo delivers all of this connectivity while still maintaining a total weight of 6.2kg (13.7lb).

Destined for release in Q3 of 2017 I will be so interested to get my hands on a unit and put it through it’s paces and report my findings back to you. This has the potential for some big things. I’ll keep you posted.

About the Author

Mark J. Foley, MBA BA is the Technology Editor at ProductionHUB and covers all technology-related developments. He is an award-winning producer, director, and all around good guy. When not in production, he is always on the prowl for great gear, new techniques, and production stories. Got a great story to share? Let me know: mfoley@productionhub.com.